The Ford F-150 and Ford F-150 Lightning: Which One Is for You?

Ford’s F-Series has a storied history of innovation and performance. In fact, the lineup made the concept of the average driver owning a truck popular. Previously, most trucks were for military or labor use. Now, it couldn’t be more different. Families regularly take a truck down to the ocean or out into the wilderness for a memorable trip filled with hiking and gazing at the stars after nightfall. Ford’s F-Series is largely responsible for that societal shift.

If you are interested in purchasing a Ford F-150 and are wondering, “Is there a Ford F-150 for sale near me?” you will be faced with an intriguing choice. The Ford F-150 now comes as both a gas and all-electric (EV) model, known as the F-150 Lightning. The latter arrives as a groundbreaking achievement. In the past, it’s been rare to see electric-powered trucks, let alone ones that have such great performance and capability. As you begin your search, you’ll want to know some differences between the two ahead of time; one of them will likely serve your needs better. While personal preference will play a part, so will practicality. Let’s take a look at these two models and what they have to offer, and when you’re ready to experience them for yourself, we welcome you to check out our extensive selection of F-Series trucks here at Newton Ford South.

The Ford F-150

The recent Ford F-150 lineup offers an impressive appearance and great capability. Affordability also tends to surprise customers, making it an attractive purchase for even the most economical consumers. Let’s talk towing first: the Ford F-150 can tow up to 14,000 lbs when properly equipped. Just imagine what you can tow with that much strength. A long trip into the wilderness will be a cinch since you can bring along whatever you need without worrying about towing capacity. Payload capability impresses, too, handling up to 3,325 lbs. In addition, the F-150 comes equipped with a workstation that deploys in the rear of your truck. It has built-in electric power available, so you can take care of business even in the most remote locations.

Now, let’s get down to engine performance. For customers desiring a truck, engine power ends up high on the list of demands. Rightly so, too, as part of the joy of owning a truck comes in the power it offers. You don’t want a large vehicle that grants you little to no advantage over an SUV, right? The Ford F-150 won’t let you down in that regard. Even the standard trim comes with a 290 hp 3.3-liter V6 engine. You’ll be able to handle all terrain with that beauty. But if you upgrade your trim? Yep, you’ll be able to upgrade that engine, too. The F-150 offers a total of five engine options, including a 3.5-liter PowerBoost Turbo V6 Hybrid.

At your Tennessee Ford dealer, the F-Series has long been a bestseller. Customer after customer has purchased one and has had their expectations outdone. The recent Ford F-150 models have continued that tradition; however, the new EV Ford F-150 Lightning does put a new option on the market. Let’s take a look at this exciting model and see if it ends up as a better choice for you.

The Ford F-150 Lightning

For too long, some negative stereotypes have been associated with all-electric vehicles. The boxy, cramped EVs of the ’00s are long gone, but for many consumers, that type of EV still comes to mind. The Ford F-150 Lightning is here to shatter those preconceived notions. In terms of performance, you will rarely notice the difference in ride between the Lightning and the traditional F-150. Only when initially accelerating can you feel a difference, as it can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds. The smooth performance of the Lightning can trick any passenger into thinking they are in the gas model.

The Lightning’s battery offers plenty of range. The extended-range battery can get you up to 320 miles on a full charge, a clear difference from when constant recharging proved to be a limiting feature. Towing, though, will deplete the battery faster and must be considered when calculating how long the battery will last. Its towing capacity is also slightly less than the F-150, getting up to 10,000 lbs. If towing is a concern, you will want to evaluate this and perhaps go with the F-150. If you don’t foresee yourself towing more than 10,000 lbs, then the EV model is a great option.

The Lightning also has a fast charging speed, which is a stellar achievement. The truck can be charged up to about 80% in under an hour, giving you more flexibility when traveling. The two biggest upsides of the Lightning are the absence of fuel costs and environmental sustainability. For those worried about rising gas prices, the Lightning stands as an amazing investment. For those who want to help create an environmentally sustainable future, the Lightning is a perfect fit, too.

Which Is for You?

Let’s discuss gas first. The Ford F-150 will cost you at the pump, while the Lightning lets you forget the pump altogether. On the flip side, the Lightning’s EV performance does mean you will need access to charging stations. For some, this is easy; for others, it causes significant trouble. If you live in an apartment without access to a garage, charging up the Lightning may be more trouble than it’s worth. It appears that charging stations will increase in the future, so this problem may vanish, but currently, access to a charging station needs to be on your mind.

Immediate cost is higher with the Lightning, too. It will cost you more to purchase or lease than the regular F-150. Depending on how often you travel, that cost may be offset in the long run thanks to the battery power, making the Lightning cheaper in the end. If you’re not sure where your usage falls, your Tullahoma Ford dealership can help you weigh the options. Lastly, while both models have great performance, if towing and hauling are near the top of your concerns, then the gas model may be the better option due to its higher capabilities.

The better model depends on your circumstances. For those who don’t need much towing capacity and have access to a garage, the Lightning would be the better option. For those who use a truck for work or live in apartments without garage access, the gas model will serve them better. Neither model wins out as superior; the best model changes depending on your own needs and lifestyle.

We’ll Help You Get Behind the Wheel of a Ford F-150 Model You’ll Love

If you visit us at Newton Ford South, you can talk to one of our customer service experts about the F-Series models. Together, you can decide on the best model for your lifestyle. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how they operate and the pros and cons of each.

We have long been faithfully serving the Tennessee area, and we are well aware of the needs of the average Tennessee driver. When you step into Newton Ford South, you are stepping into a dealership that wants to help drivers in the surrounding Shelbyville area get into a vehicle that will fit their unique driving needs. Come in today and take a look at our extensive selection of trucks–including the F-150 and F-150 Lightning. We look forward to working with you!